The injustice done to an individual is sometimes of service to the public. Facts are apt to alarm us more than the most dangerous principles.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Harm to an individual can sometimes benefit society, and shocking facts alarm people more than dangerous ideas.
- In plain terms
- Bad things done to one person might help the group, and scary facts worry us more than risky ideas.
- What can you take from it?
- Public good can come from private harm, and facts stir fear more than principles.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does individual harm serve the public?
- Why do facts alarm us more than principles?
Another view
Ignoring individual harm can justify abuse even if it helps many.
More from Junius
We lament the mistakes of a good man, and do not begin to detest him until he affects to renounce his principles.
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Permalink to quote #14 The least considerable man among us has an interest equal to the proudest nobleman, in the laws and constitution of his country, and is equally called upon to …
Permalink to quote #11
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